Hi everyone! I've never posted on here before but I've been reading the boards for years.

I recently applied to Universidad del Norte in Brranquilla (thanks to a post I saw from naturegirl that suggested they are a good employer) and I just had my first interview. I kind of have a feeling that I'll get the job (I have my MA TESOL, speak Spanish, and I've taught ESL in the states for some time, including the past year and a half at a university). I was just wondering if anyone has any experience working for uninorte or experience living in Barranquilla.

So did you take the job? Sorry for the late reply. I'd say if it's just for a year, it would be okay to do it. I have lived in Barranquilla for 2 years, but only because of a verbal agreement with my colegio. I would have left here after about 4-5 months. Barranquilla is a drinking/party town and I have met quite a few profs from Uninorte who are here for just the year to party and leave. I wish that was the case for me.

Barranquilla has a quite homogeneous culture, with splashes of an art scene here, or a jazz music thing there, but it's pretty much cumbia, vallenato, y salsa siempre... and at ear drum shattering volumes. It is very good that you already speak Spanish here, because to a beginner, it is almost unintelligible. I have learned quite a bit, but most people who are not dating a local don't learn Spanish here. All of the non-latina gringas I know here do not really enjoy it that much. It is an excellent place for single males who speak intermediate to advanced Spanish.

On the other hand, if you want a truly Latin American/Caribbean experience for longer than a vacation stretch, it is a great place for that. It is hot and humid most of the year, with a few months of dry, breezy, and cool (23 degrees celsius at the lowest at night). It's also close to places like Taganga, Cartagena, and Parque Tayrona. All worth the visits!

Hi All,
I used to teach at Colegio Marymount and salaries were excellent!! Could anybody give advice as to what salaries are at the moment - Uninorte, Colegio Marymount, Colegio Albania etc. Many thanks.

....Let me know how the Barranquilla thing works out and what requirements they are asking for if you get an interview. Very interested in getting back to Colombia after my current contract ends in September!

I don't know where you're from or what kind of lifestyle you're accustomed to... but 6 million COP a month will have you living the good life in Barranquilla. Even in Bogota that would be considered a wealthy salary as long as you don't have a large family.